Coach Highland enters his second season as associate head coach for the 2022-23 Lakers.
Prior to SWOCC, he was an assistant coach for one season at Salt Lake Community College (NJCAA-D1) 2021-22. The Bruins were 35-2, the National Tournament Runner-Up, the nation’s #1 overall seed, and the Scenic West Conference Champions.
Prior to SLCC, Highland was an assistant coach for five seasons at his alma mater, Southern Oregon University (NAIA) 2016-21. During his 5 years, the Raiders had three consecutive 20+ wins seasons from 2017-2020, including increased wins in each of the first four years (2016-2020: 18-13, 20-12, 21-11, 24-7). The Raiders enjoyed sustained postseason success during his tenure, reaching the Cascade Conference semifinals in 2017-18, 2019-20, the championship game in 2018-19, and ultimately the 2020 NAIA National Tournament Sweet 16 before COVID ended their run short. Highland helped recruit and develop multiple All-Conference and All-Academic student athletes. He was also responsible for co-founding the inaugural SOU Basketball Fundraising Golf Tournament that raised thousands for the program.
Before coaching, Highland played professionally in Germany 2012-13 and China 2014-16. In Germany, Highland played one season for Tus Treis-Karden (1st Regionaliga). He averaged 18.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.3 apg, and was 3rd in the league in scoring. In China, he played for two years in various tournaments and tours, highlighted by the Tracy McGrady Tour in 2015.
Highland played his college ball at Southern Oregon University (NAIA) 2010-12 and Linn Benton CC 2008-10. At SOU, Highland was a NAIA All-American his junior year. He was a two time All-Cascade Conference player as well as the Cascade Conference Newcomer of the Year in 2010-11. At LBCC, Highland was a 2nd team All-South Region player his sophomore year.
Highland has a Masters of Arts in Teaching (2018) and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (2012) from Southern Oregon University. He also teaches PE at North Bend Middle School.
